Secondhand travel cot - would you?

[CoolCat2014]

Probably a minorly paranoid question regarding all the safe sleeping guidelines - would you use a secondhand travel cot for a 4 month old? It doesn't have a mattress other than the basic base bit which is a bit padded. It comes from SIL and was only used a few times, but no idea where it's been stored, I think on top of a wardrobe or similar as they don't have a garage.

Would you use it for a couple of nights, or should I be super paranoid and err on the side of caution?

It's fine :)
I bought a used one. As long as it's clean, what's the problem?

Of course!

Fab, I'm just being PFB then - my worry was that we aren't buying a new mattress for it, just using the built in one, and all the SIDS guidelines say buy new mattress etc

Yes- it's the same as if you went somewhere overseas and used the hotel one. After your little one has been sick/pooed in it a few times you'll be glad it was second hand!!

We've used travel cots in hotels etc so don't think it's any different to that. It's not going to be used permanently so I think it's absolutely fine.

You can buy travel cot mattresses so if it makes you feel better why not get one. It will make the cot comfier too.

My one tip to you OP would be make sure you buy proper travel cot sheets rather than thinking you can use normal cot ones. OMG the hassle we had until I realised they did actually sell them for that particular size.

My HV actually said that the concern over mattresses is less now that babies are sleeping on their backs. I'd def go for it, the travel cot we use was given to us and I have no idea how many children it's been through.

If it really freaks you out take your moses basket on the trip. They're pretty easy to bung in the boot x

Personally I won't reuse a travel cot, unless a new mattress is bought for on top of the current one.

For DC2 I'm getting a new travel cot (mothercare jewel, new version of what DS had, costs around the same as a new mattress).

Lots of people do reuse though, so I'll be selling DS's old one.

Redred - thanks didn't realise you could get special covers, will look out for some. Can't take the Moses basket (we did at christmas) as she's outgrown it already!

Personally I think it's a bit different if it comes from someone you know rather than ebay or similar eg you know whether anyone smokes in the household and whether it's likely to have fleas...

It's fine - I fretted before ds was born. Then he was in nicu for a few weeks sleeping on a mattress that looked like it was from a 1970's caravan. Totally sorted that worry out :)

I think its fine. when we use the one for dd we put a duvet on top then a sheet which makes it a bit more comfortable

Our cousin gave us one and it's been great! So lucky to get one free as they are expensive.

Another "Of course" from me too.